Papers by Legend L . E . Asuelime
Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 2015
Nigeria's relations with South Africa were of double standard during the apartheid era. The post-... more Nigeria's relations with South Africa were of double standard during the apartheid era. The post-independence Nigeria and the apartheid regime in Pretoria relations were sour and confrontational, while it was friendly between Nigeria and the liberation movements in South Africa, especially with the African National Congress (ANC). It was more so because Nigeria adopted Africa as the centerpiece of its foreign policy, and committed itself to the total liberation of the African continent from colonialism and racism. Nigeria staged untiring opposition to colonialism on the African continent, and the racism that existed in South Africa before 1994. The beginning of a new era started in the final days of apartheid in South Africa when President de Klerk visited Nigeria in April 1992 to discuss bilateral issues, mostly trade relations. The paper examines, however, Nigeria and South Africa's diplomatic fluidity since re-establishing formal relations in 1994 in order to understand the causes of the misunderstanding and the effect on both countries' relations and suggest better ways to foster their relations. The study argues that Nigeria plays big brother roles in Africa from 1960 but is now unable to continue with such big brother projects. South Africa on the other hand quickly recognized economic opportunities in Africa and seek to establish neo-imperial post in the continent. However, the study suggests that the two African giants can have a smooth relations but Nigeria needs to step up its development in order to create parity with South Africa to help them form alliance of strength for Africa. It also notes that South Africa is the real giant of Africa, but Nigeria covers her internal weaknesses while engaging in diplomacy, especially with South Africa.
SpringerBriefs in political science, 2015
This paper provides the background and context for understanding terrorism and that of Nigeria in... more This paper provides the background and context for understanding terrorism and that of Nigeria in particular. It introduces a philosophical approach towards the conceptualization of terrorism so as to show the philosophical debates around the phenomenon and the significance thereof for the 'root causes' explanation, with a fairly focused attention to Boko Haram in Nigeria. The paper provides a road map to descriptive underpinnings of the general political economy of Nigeria and its tendency to fuel terrorism, and other forms of political violence. The objective of this chapter is to problematize the phenomenon of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria.
Advances in African economic, social and political development, 2014
The rise of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in 1999 is one of the milestone changes in Z... more The rise of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in 1999 is one of the milestone changes in Zimbabwe’s political history. This paper argues that the rise of MDC had negative and positive impacts on Zimbabwe’s political landscape. The birth of MDC was made possible by socio-economic hardships that were caused by errors of omission and commission by the government of ZANU-PF. On the other hand, it is also argued that there was western infestation in the creation and/or funding of MDC, a position held by ZANU-PF. This created polarization in the country leading to widespread violence as there was the redefinition of patriots and puppets. The paper concludes that the rise of MDC challenges ZANU-PF ‘divine’ leadership perception and had to continually seek means to remain in power.
Advances in African economic, social and political development, 2014
A growing number of scholars acknowledge the interconnectedness of the myriad of problems and pro... more A growing number of scholars acknowledge the interconnectedness of the myriad of problems and prospects across Africa as a relevant part of global development discourse. Given the ever-increasing importance of knowledge for the scholarly agenda and practice of African Studies, we present a picture of contemporary issues in African development. Although, this volume is focused on development issues, it presents in one volume a multi-disciplinary deeply contextual text on the important themes in development studies covering land questions, housing, water, health, economic liberalization, climate, environment, and gender. Though Africa’s problems transcend these basic sector issues, they still remain at the core of development given the fact that many in Africa are food insecure, have poor access to health, water, housing, and are increasingly affected by global environmental change and global neoliberal economic policies. These themes are a microcosm in the general understanding and study of global development issues that confront humanity. This is hoped will lead to novel analytical frameworks, the emergence of new conceptual approaches, and empirical accounts of relevance to scholars studying Africa as well as practitioners in African development and policy makers.
The international non-proliferation regime has focused on developing strategies to halt the devel... more The international non-proliferation regime has focused on developing strategies to halt the development of nuclear technology, particularly in developing regions. This however did not stop South Africa from developing six and a half nuclear bombs, because the activities of the five (nuclear) superpowers (the US, Britain, Soviet Union, France and China) in providing some level of unilateral technological assistance to other countries undermined the efficacy of this strategy. Particularly, this article stresses the hypocrisy of British participation in the NPT as far as South Africa was concerned. The article also (subtly) focuses on the preponderance of cultural, strategic and economic links with Britain which contribute to an environment for nuclear proliferation in South Africa. The above provide a context for British government cooperation with South Africa in nuclear technology.
This chapter explores the nuclear proliferation cases of “emerging powers” of Israel and South Af... more This chapter explores the nuclear proliferation cases of “emerging powers” of Israel and South Africa. This chapter presents case studies of two developing countries noted to have had some form of nuclear collaborations in the past, particularly in the 1970s. The Vela incident is instructive here. The principal question that this chapter seeks to answer is: what is the level of technological capability and the motivation behind these states’ decision to develop nuclear weapons in Israel and South Africa? The argument made here is that many factors impacted upon Israel and South Africa’s nuclear weapons decisions. Overall, the two countries show international dimensions and collaboration with one or more of the established five nuclear states—both in the development of their nuclear complex and in the development of its motivations.
Journal of African Union studies, 2015
One of the goals of post-colonial Africa is the integration of the disparate countries on the con... more One of the goals of post-colonial Africa is the integration of the disparate countries on the continent. The Organisation of African Unity and the African Union (which replaced the former) are among attempts aimed at achieving the continent's unification. While the legacies of the continent's colonial past, neocolonialism and the idiosyncrasies of African leaders have been identified as impediments to the realisation of the continent's integration, the role of xenophobia as a hindrance to Africa's integration has not been recognised and acknowledged. Although xenophobia is not a new phenomenon on the continent, the size and scope of xenophobic attacks in recent years under scoresits significance to the continent's integration particularly in South Africa. Using the South African case study, this paper argues that Africa's integration can only be realised if the question of xenophobia is acknowledged and addressed. Failure to do this could lead to the vision of the continent's integration being a mere intellectual and elitist pursuit.
SpringerBriefs in political science, 2015
Springer eBooks, Jul 1, 2014
Introduction.- Part I: Selected Development Issues in African States.- Part II: Selected Issues i... more Introduction.- Part I: Selected Development Issues in African States.- Part II: Selected Issues in Ghana.
SpringerBriefs in political science, 2015
This chapter presents an analysis of the construct of terrorism as a phenomenon with historical r... more This chapter presents an analysis of the construct of terrorism as a phenomenon with historical roots with many contestations, explanations, and understandings. Since the advent of terrorism, the term’s use shifted from the regime de la terreurs during the French revolution, to anarchist and socio-revolutionary bombers in the nineteenth century, to the Red terror, to anti-colonial struggle, then to the Palestinian struggles in the 1960s, and finally to religious fundamentalism since the 1990s, to date. These episodes and differential motives for terror activities also beckon the question around its justification. Also, the evolution of the term has brought about problems in understanding its causality and conceptualization and by implication in articulating an approach to finding a panacea for wherever and whenever it is witnessed. This chapter argues that the prism through which terrorism can be understood is highly subjective and open to different interpretations for different times and eras.
SpringerBriefs in political science, 2015
This paper takes a historical foray into the prevailing conditions that form the bedrock of colle... more This paper takes a historical foray into the prevailing conditions that form the bedrock of collective actions and organized violence against the Nigerian authority. The analysis here presented situates the problem with the Nigerian state since independence in reference to corruption and mismanagement of the country’s human and natural resources. Thus, in the quest to understand the economic predicates of Nigeria’s current security challenges, this paper provides a general description of Nigeria’s political economy and its tendency to fuel violence—including terrorism, as presently observed in the country and threatening its very existence. Presented differently, we conclude here that the historical trajectory to date of Nigeria’s political economy has fueled terrorism in its geopolitical space through its characteristic alienation and frustration of its citizens, due mainly to the general lack of accountability and systemic corruption.
Africa insight, Sep 1, 2015
Integration of the disparate countries on the African continent is a principal aim of the African... more Integration of the disparate countries on the African continent is a principal aim of the African Union. This is even more compelling in the twenty-first century with all the myriads of socio-economic and political challenges the continent confronts. While the legacies of the continent’s colonial past, neo-colonialism and the idiosyncrasies of African leaders have been identified as impediments to the realisation of the continent’s integration, the role of xenophobia as a hindrance to Africa’s integration has not been recognised and acknowledged. Although xenophobia is not a new phenomenon on the continent, the size and scope of South African xenophobic attacks in recent years indicate a great challenge for African integration. This paper argues that the leaders of the African Union member states need to channel more attention to the menace of xenophobia as Africa’s integration can only be realised if this question is acknowledged and addressed. African integration becomes a mere intellectual and elitist pursuit if this challenge is not given adequate attention.
Gender and behaviour, 2018
Gender and behaviour, Jun 1, 2018
African development has become a major discussion issue both in and outside Africa. The continent... more African development has become a major discussion issue both in and outside Africa. The continent is seen as the new and rising destination for capital and investment. It has seen both the financially rich Eastern and Western bloc of nations competing for African attention. However, this development rush is not uniform across the whole continent, given that Africa is made up of 54 countries that have different levels of enabling environments and varied developmental strides. The major element that is critical for development both in social and business terms is energy security. The main thrust of this chapter is to argue that for Africa to take off and compete with other emerging economies there is need for massive investment in the energy sector.
Journal of African Union studies, 2016
This chapter presents a methodological framework for nuclear proliferation and how the South Afri... more This chapter presents a methodological framework for nuclear proliferation and how the South African case may be situated. This chapter provides a unique prism through which nuclear proliferation can be methodologically understood. This is important due to the fact that nuclear-related data are largely undefined and states usually carry out nuclear activities in a clandestine manner. Nuclear politics and levels of advancement are shrouded in secrecy. Therefore, to ensure objectivity and the validity of data, a case study approach is projected as a viable method of analyzing nuclear history and politics. We cross-examined different sources of both primary and secondary information on the five recognized nuclear weapons powers—Britain, USA, Soviet Union, China, and France. This ensures the validity of the claims that we make in the study through the analysis of this material in the context of the cases.
This chapter establishes general factors concerning the conditions that are most critical in prom... more This chapter establishes general factors concerning the conditions that are most critical in prompting a nation to develop nuclear weapons. From such generalizations, specific hypotheses can be formulated and systemically examined. The bulk of the data and materials utilized in this study are derived from a careful examination of various sources including official statements and documents, newspapers, books, and articles in scholarly journals pertaining to nuclear proliferation. Detailed descriptions of certain national experiences by various specialists are used to compare and evaluate each nation’s posture on nuclear weapons. Five developing countries and five nuclear states are introduced to the analysis and juxtapose against each other. Countries are classified according to their level of nuclear technology and motivation. For each country, potential factors affecting proliferation are identified in order to determine the impact of these factors on a nation’s nuclear option and to compare the relative strength of incentive factors to constraints.
Social Science Research Network, Mar 30, 2015
The challenge of globalization and increasing competition has signalled a range of ideas and refl... more The challenge of globalization and increasing competition has signalled a range of ideas and reflections on whether national policy-makers and organisations are capable of meeting the challenge of enhancing representation of historically disadvantaged groups. One of such challenge is the extent to which equality of opportunity is afforded to members of increasingly diverse labour forces in the global economy. In South Africa, the reconstruction of the country since the end of apartheid has made the country to witness a rise of new political parties – all promising better standards for the labour sector and integration into political spaces. Indeed, the involvement of workers in community and political structures, coupled with their loyalty to the labour movement, provides the foundation for a set of interlocking organisational and political relationships that strengthen partnerships with like-minded allies to advance the interests of workers and the working class more broadly. This form of relationship and commitment with the labour unions in South Africa has sparked up debates and new perception of workers on every issue surrounding the politics and democratic practice of South Africa. This paper evaluates the relevance of these new political relationships and labour development in South Africa as it affects its trade union members, particularly COSATU.
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Papers by Legend L . E . Asuelime